Droplets

A drop or droplet is a small volume of liquid, bounded completely or almost completely by free surfaces. ~~~~~~~~~~ Asparagus was first cultivated about 2500 years ago in Greece. The name is a Greek word, meaning stalk or shoot. The Greeks believed asparagus was a herbal medicine which, among other things, would cure toothaches and prevent bee stings. ~~~ Second century Physician, Galen, described asparagus as "cleansing and healing". Claims for medicinal benefits of asparagus persist to this day. The Romans became great lovers of asparagus, and grew it in high-walled courtyards. In their conquests, they spread it to the Gauls, Germans, and Britain’s and from there, the rest of the world. ~~~~~~~~~ Fern growth Do not cut it down until the fall when it has turned all brown. The fern is what feeds the crown nutrients so that it will produce spears again in the spring. ~~~ If the spear is not picked, it goes to seed and turns into a tall, graceful fern. ~~~~ Sautéed Asparagus with Mushrooms

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Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmm! ~~~~~~~~~~ Use your favorite fresh mushroom for this recipe. This dish is also excellent served chilled ~~~~~~~~~ 1-pound asparagus, trimmed 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1/2-cup fresh mushrooms, sliced 1-teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped or 1/2 teaspoon dried Freshly ground black pepper to taste ~~ In a large skillet, bring 2 inches of water to a boil with a teaspoon salt. ~ Prepare a bowl of ice water and set aside. ~Add asparagus to the boiling water and cook 4 to 5 minutes or until barely tender but still firm. ~Using a slotted spoon or tongs, remove the spears to the ice water bath. ~Leave in ice water 5 minutes or until cool. ~Drain and set aside. ~Discard blanching water. ~~~ ~Using the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. ~Add mushrooms, asparagus, thyme and salt and pepper to taste. ~Sauté until mushrooms are wilted and the asparagus is just heated through, about 3 to 4 minutes. ~Serve warm or chilled. ~~~~~ Yields 4 servings. ~~~~~~~~Asparagus sandwich a favorite of mine!